Page 41 of Hearts of Locke Hill

He pushed forward. “The position is tentative, based on my performance over a summer term. I took it, knowing we would need the boost of income for the expenses from Father’s treatment. As it stands, we should be in no danger, but I ask you all to be judicious in your needs and spending. It is a good practice even when we are not facing such a challenge as this.”

Oscar pushed away from the mantel and folded his arms, his expression unreadable. “How will that look to others?” he asked.

“I hope it will look honorable. Yes, there will be speculation. But I encourage you, when questions arise, to mention the family connection to established avenues of education in this county and that my passion has led me to embrace the tradition of my forefathers.”

Oscar’s mouth tightened.

“It is not a lie, Oscar. Perhaps circumstances have pushed me to move in this direction, but my desire, aptitude, and proclivity have opened this particular door.”

The corner of Oscar’s mouth lifted. “Well, now you’re just showing off, Mr.Proclivity.”

Cy clapped his lexicon-deficient brother on the shoulder and turned to the others. “Mother has told you of Pimms Mill. As it turns out”—he eyed Ruby, who had the nerve to look innocent—“the college is just north of Pimms, along the Tillingbourne River, so I shall be moving into the cottage and determining needed improvements there while working at the college. Of course, I shall visit Oakleigh as often as I can. Having said that, my exit leaves room for some rearranging here.” He turned to his youngest brothers. “Henry, you are hereby releasedfrom your time in the nursery and can move back into your room today.”

Henry’s eyes widened and he looked at Patrick with a smirk.

“You will, however, assist Mr. Cochran in the stables daily for the next week.”

The boy’s shoulders slumped. Henry did not care for cleaning up after any animal, but most especially large ones.

“Patrick,” he said.

Patrick lifted his head. “You shall pack your things and take up residence in my room. I’m having it readied as we speak.” He noted the slow dawning of understanding on his brother’s face.

“Truly?”

A grin pulled at Cy’s mouth. “Yes, truly. Take good care of it.”

Patrick beamed. “I will.” George leaned forward and mussed Patrick’s hair. Patrick shoved his arm away, his smile still prevalent.

Nearly done. Cy squared his shoulders and turned again to Oscar. His brother lifted his dark brows.

“Oscar, it is Father’s wish that you undertake the learning of estate management under the tutelage of Mr. Thorpe.”

Oscar drew his head back in surprise. “But I’ll not have Oakleigh. That is yours.”

“Do you intend to marry?”

Oscars face flushed. “Yes.”

“And you wish to have a home? A family?”

“Well, yes.”

“And do you not already have Eventide?”

Oscar blinked. As suspected, Oscar had not seemed to consider his inheritance as his fast-approaching future residence, at least not for a bride and forthcoming children.

“But Eventide is not an estate,” he argued.

“It is a sprawling home on thirty acres of lush farmland and seaside. Are you confident in your ability to manage it yourself?”

Oscar’s sputtering answered the question. No doubt he’d intended to leave all of that to a steward. Father believed a man should know the running of his home, steward or no.

“You will begin meeting with Mr. Thorpe tomorrow morning. You will be my eyes and ears for Oakleigh while I’m away and run all decisions to be made by me first. Improvements already begun here will continue to completion, as they are contracted and I will not deprive the men doing their jobs their wages. I’ll not be far, but I will be busy. Will you do this?”

Oscar set his jaw. “Yes. Of course.” He gave a sharp nod, as if to put an exclamation point to it.

“Excellent. George?”